"Ruby!" The gem jolted awake, eyes wide as she took a deep breath! "No, don't do it!" she shouted, trying to catch her breath as she turned to look to the right. "Uhhh.. H-Hello, Leader Maxie..!" Maxie stepped away from the bed, looking down at her. He seemed upset about something. 'Umm.. Did… Did I do something wrong?"
"No, of course not. Other than screaming and making everybody think you were going to explode or something, you've done nothing wrong." Ruby looked down, seeing Nugget on her lap. The Torchic was chirping sadly, nuzzling her face. The gem reached a hand up, gingerly touching a spot under her right eye. She was crying. In her sleep. The gem rubbed her tears away, looking up at Maxie. "I-I'm so sorry, I-I was having this awful dream about-" Maxie held up a hand, turning away from her. "Save it for later. We have some business to handle."
"Uhhh.. What kind of business?"
"We have to head to Mossdeep City. The Mossdeep Space Center has something we need." Ruby watched Maxie pull out a folder from his jacket, flipping it open. "I'm sending you out with a few others grunts and Tabitha. I'll be there in a few minutes, but I want you four to get a headstart and hold everybody there hostage until I arrive." Ruby nodded, saluting him as he turns to look at her. "Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir. Leader Maxie, sir!" The man nodded, holding out the folder to her. "I am aware that Courtney instructed for you to never use that Torchic of yours during Magma business. However, I am giving you permission to use him for this mission. Only this once, though. Is that also clear?" Ruby nodded, taking the folder as Nugget chirped. "Yes, sir."
"You Magma brats won't get away with this!" Ruby flinched at the man's shouting as the two grunts who accompanied her stood guard, two large dogs standing beside them. They were grey with large tufts of black fur, their yellow and red eyes darting about. Ruby looked down at the Poochyena by her side, seeing its tail wag at the sight of the two larger Pokémon. No doubt that those were the Evolved form of Poochyena. "Someday, you'll be big like them."
"Come on, Ruby. We've got work to do," Tabitha called out, making his way up the stairs. Ruby nodded, turning to look at the many people held hostage. The man who shouted had an arm around a Pokémon with white fur and striking blue eyes, a blue zigzag stripe on its chest and right eye like scars. Ruby had seen that Pokémon a long time ago, but this one was very different. Its fur seemed to shine under the dim light. It was carrying a small container that held an egg inside, hissing when one of the grunts steps close with a hand out. "No, leave it!"
"What?" The grunt turned to look at Ruby, brows raised in surprised. "The last time I checked, you weren't an Admin. You don't boss me around." The gem gritted her teeth, shaking her head. "That doesn't matter! Leave that Pokémon's Egg alone!" The grunt stepped towards Ruby, glaring down at her. "What are you gonna do? Try to hit me? You step out of line and you'll be demoted."
"I'm willing to do it if it means protecting them. I'm sure this isn't what your boss wants. Just hold them hostage until we get back."
"Ruby!" The gem turned to look at Tabitha, nodding as she hurried over. "Sorry, Admin Tabitha. I-" Tabitha held up a hand, glaring down at her. "No time. We'll discuss it later. Let's go." Ruby looked down, following the Admin up the stairs. The gem looked down at the Poochyena, watching it struggle up the steps with a whine. She went back down and picked up the little Pokémon, chuckling as it licked her face before running after Tabitha. The Admin crossed his arms over his chest as she stopped beside him, putting the Pokémon down.
"Well, well. What do we have here?" Ruby watched a man in a black suit stepped forth, hand placed on his hip. He had light blue hair that was spiked and light blue eyes to match. To Ruby, those eyes seemed to remind her of something, but she wasn't sure what it was. He wore several rings, but what stood out to Ruby was the lapel pin he wore, bearing a rainbow stone just like the one Lysandre and Maxie have. That stone had a purpose for certain people and she knew it. Behind him was a young boy, arms out in front of a large lizard. It looked like the evolve form of the Treecko Emeline had. The man gave a confident smile as Tabitha held up a Pokéball. "When the boss hears that his new Grunt and I just defeated Steven Stone, he's going to be very pleased."
"Stone..? Wait, that means he's..!" Ruby stared at Stone, seeing the smile grow a little wider on his face. "Ahh, Team Magma. And what brings you here today? A Space Center seems a little out of style for you, don't you think?" Tabitha snorted, shaking his head. "If you must know, we're here for some rocket fuel. If we want to wake up Groudon and make more land, we'll need a little something to add to the volcano."
"Wait, what?! But that'll make the volcano explode! That could kill somebody!"
"A smart Grunt you have. You must've forgotten to give her the memo. Lavaridge Town and Fallarbor Town are nestled within the small spaces that surround Mt. Chimney. It could kill many people," Stone muttered, glaring at Tabitha. "You should really reconsider this plan your Boss has in mind. Would you really risk the lives of many people for land? Even you people aren't murderers."
"Argh, stop talking! Give us the fuel or you'll get it, Stone!" Stone huffed, fixing his jacket. "Sorry, but the fuel is for rockets only. It doesn't take a genius to know that. Brendan, get ready. We may have to put up a fight." Tabitha growled, gripping the Pokéball until he tossed it, letting out a Camerupt. It let out a cry as it stomped at the ground, snorting in Stone's direction. Ruby gulped, holding Nugget's Pokéball close. Her Team was very new, there was no way she could take on somebody like Stone. His Team was bound to be fully Evolved and much more powerful than her own.
"Ruby, fall back for now." The gem turned, eyes wide as Maxie approached. Ruby stepped back as Maxie stood beside Tabitha. "We've got company, take care of it. Return once it's been dealt with." The gem nodded, heading back for the stairs with Poochyena. As Ruby started to turn the corner, a young girl bumped into her and knocked her over, causing her to scream in surprise. "Ah, I'm so sorry! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine…" Ruby muttered as the girl helped her up, looking up. "Emeline?!" Emeline stared in surprise, backing up. "It's you…! What are you doing at the Space Center? The place has been taken over by those funny men and women in red sweaters and hoodies!" Ruby chuckled, pushing her hood back as the Poochyena barked. "I… I got mixed up in a pretty bad situation and I'm trying to stop it. What are YOU doing here, Emeline?" Emeline chuckled, adjusting her coat until Treecko crawled up, wrapping around her shoulders. "We wanted to see the rocket, but it seems we arrived at a really bad time."
"Yeah… But, don't worry. Nugget and I are going to stop them. We just need a little more time with them to gather up information on something we need." Emeline nodded, patting Treecko on the head. "Errr… Emeline? Have you seen Sapphire? She and I got separated when Magma attacked us." The girl looked at the gem, nodding. "I think I did. She was wearing a funny uniform. I saw her head out to a large mountain in the middle of the ocean, but I didn't approach her. Treecko is weak against Water Types and the woman she was with had a big one. It looked like a Sharpedo" Ruby blinked, looking at Treecko. "But… Treecko is a Grass Type. Grass Types are very powerful against Water Types. He'd be weak against something like Nugget."
"Ruby!"
"Is that the man who is in charge?" Emeline asked, Treecko suddenly sitting up. "Yeah.. He sent me to take care of you. Errr… P-Pretend I defeated you..! He'll get suspicious if I don't return!" Emeline shook her head, holding up a Pokéball. "No need to. We'll do it the right way. Hit me with your best shot, Ruby. Battle me." Ruby looked at Nugget's Pokéball, taking a deep breath as she sends him out. This wasn't the best time to do it, but she didn't have much of a choice. "Alright… I'll do my best."
"Be the best there ever was, Ruby. Don't worry, I got Revives on me, so I can revive him after the battle," Emeline said as she nodded to Treecko. The Pokémon leaped forth, head raised high as Nugget puffed his feathers out. "Alright, Nugget. Use Scratch!" Ruby shouted as Emeline raised a hand. "Pound, Treecko!" Nugget leaped up, swiping a talon at Treecko as he threw his fist in retaliation. The two backed up, crouching down in a stance. "Nugget, Ember!"
"Pound again, Treecko!" Nugget opened his beak, spitting out a tiny ball of fire at the Pokémon. Treecko grunted, trying to bat off the flames before attacking again. Nugget stumbled back a little, shaking his head as Ruby called out the next attack. "Hit 'em with one more Ember, Nugget!" Nugget spat out another ball of fire, hitting Treecko on the chest. The Pokémon cried out and fell back, letting out a soft cry. Ruby should've felt a little victorious, but something about the battle wasn't right. It was too easy. She had a Type advantage and it was clear that Emeline hadn't trained with the Treecko a whole lot. "Emeline, I-I'm sorry. This battle wasn't fair to you. I-"
"It's fine, Ruby. You've been training. No disadvantages. If you can, meet me in Mauville City. I have an offer for you." The look in Emeline's eyes seemed hopeful as she got on one knee, placing a hand under Treecko's head. Ruby watched her give the Pokémon something small that looked like a yellow crystal.
"Thank you, Emeline… If you see Sapphire, tell her I'm here on Team Magma to get information. Now, go before I get in trouble." Emeline nodded before returning Treecko, taking a deep breath until Ruby raised a hand. "Err, one question. How did you know about Sapphire and I?" The girl blinked, holding back a giggle. "I saw your gems. It's pretty obvious who you two are. That, and I've heard the legends. I wish you luck, Ruby." Emeline took another deep breath, this time shouting as if Ruby had hurt her..
"No, Treecko!" she wailed, rubbing her eye to wipe away non existent tears. "You Magma grunts are the worst! I hope Aqua kicks your sorry butts!" Emeline waved to Ruby, winking to her before running off with her fake cry. The gem returned Nugget, patting the Poochyena. He was awfully quiet the entire battle. Maybe he knew what was happening and didn't want to get her in trouble..? She'd have to look into it. Ruby nodded to the side, walking back to the doorway where Maxie was.
As she came around the corner, she saw a large Pokémon on the ground with large dents on its metallic body. The Pokémon groaned, trying to get up until Stone held up a Pokéball, returning it. "Metagross… You did your best." Ruby watched with wide eyes as Maxie started to chuckle, adjusting his glasses. "Steven Stone, Champion of Hoenn. Defeated by the leader and Admin of Team Magma! How you even became Champion is a complete mystery to me!" Stone sighed, holding a hand out before Brendan as he started to take out another Pokéball. "One moment, Brendan. Let us adults speak."
Stone stepped forth, adjusting his coat. "No matter how much you push us down, we'll keep standing back up. We won't let you take the fuel, Team Magma." Maxie snorted, shaking his head. "Oh, but we have our ways. Tabitha, if you will." Tabitha nodded, sending out Camerupt. The Pokémon snorted, turning to his Trainer as he pointed towards the large tech that was in nearly every corner of the room. "Destroy it, Camerupt."
Stone's face shifted as he lifted both hands. "Wait, wait, wait! That's not necessary..!" he shouted as a grunt ran up to Maxie, eyes wide. The leader turned to him, crouching a little as the grunt whispered to him. "You can't be serious. You're certain it was them." The grunt nodded as Maxie gave a sigh, hands clenched into fists. "Damn… Tabitha, head back to the base. Forget the fuel. We've got bigger problems." Tabitha nodded and looked at the grunt as Maxie stepped forth.
"I'm afraid we have other business to attend to, Steven. This is where we part ways, but mark my words. This is not the end. Team Magma will accomplish their goal in time. Let's go, team." Ruby watched Maxie stride towards the stairs, the grunt and Tabitha following. She started to follow until a hand touched her shoulder, causing her to turn suddenly.
Stone stared at her, blinking slowly as he got one knee, hand held out. "May I see your hand…?" Ruby looked up at him and lifted her left hand. The palm of the glove had been cut out, allowing her gem to be out in the open to make it easier to summon her weapon in case she needed it. Stone took her hand and ran his pinky finger around the gem, tracing the cuts. "This is real… YOU'RE real… I didn't think I'd ever meet one in my life."
"Do you know who I am…?" Ruby asked, staring up at the man. Stone nodded, closing her fingers over her gem. "I do. Your name is Ruby. I'm sorry to hold you up like this, but I have to know. Why are you with them?" The gem looked down, pulling her hand away. "I just need to get… somewhere… This team, they captured me and I agreed to join them, only to get information. I have a feeling they're hiding something."
"The Orbs…"
"Pardon?"
"They're probably after the Orbs. If they can't get their hands on it, then…" Stone muttered, looking down. "Sorry, I'm thinking to myself. When you get back to the base, tell me if you find an orb that is the same color as your gem. My house is here in Mossdeep, so contact me the moment you find something and I'll send either Brendan or May to pick you up." Ruby looked at Brendan, seeing the concern on his face before shaking her head. "I'll come on my own. I'll look for this orb, but… What is so important about it?"
"If all my studies are correct, then… it could mean Team Magma is causing more trouble than I thought. Now, hurry. Before your 'leader' notices." The gem nodded, heading for the stairs before turning to look at Stone one last time. She hate to make the meeting so short, but she wanted to wish him the best of luck. "Steven?" Stone looked up, staring at her Brendan stood by his side. "Yes?"
"I hope you and this boy become the best."
"I hope you become the best as well. Good luck, Ruby. Be careful."
